The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) has released the second annual Michigan Green Chemistry Governor’s Award Nomination Packet.The awards, modeled on the Presidential Green Chemistry Awards Program will honor industrial, academic, student, and non-profit efforts to green Michigan’s economy.

The award program recognizes advances that either incorporate the principles of green chemistry into chemical design, manufacture, or use; or that promote activities that support or implement those technologies. The awards are open to individuals, groups, and organizations in Michigan, both nonprofit and for profit, including academia, educators, nonprofit advocacy groups, and industry. All entries must be sent no later than August 6. The awards will be presented during the Green Chemistry Conference: A Catalyst for the Economy, which is scheduled to take place at the Kellogg Conference Center on the campus of Michigan State University on October 20.

The Green Chemistry Governor’s Awards are the result of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm’s Executive Directive 2006-6, “Promotion of Green Chemistry for Sustainable Economic Development and Protection of Public Health,” which established state policy encouraging the use of safer, less toxic, or non-toxic chemical alternatives to hazardous substances and the research, development, and implementation of green chemistry in Michigan. The DNRE has been given primary responsibility to implement the directive, including establishing a Michigan Green Chemistry Program and convening a Michigan Green Chemistry Roundtable. The roundtable, which is comprised of experts representing business, academia, and environmental interest groups, has played an active role in the development of the award program.

Further information on the award categories is available in the nomination packet on the DNRE Web site atwww.michigan.gov/greenchemistry, or by calling the DNRE’s Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278.

The DNRE is committed to conserve, manage, protect, and promote accessible use and enjoyment of the state’s environmental, natural resource, and related economic interests for current and future generations.